1. IN THE KNOW
WHO KNEW?
RETIREMENT IS SOMETHING on
most working people’s minds, but
not 96-year-old Dr. William Hansel,
who still shows up for work at
Pennington Biomedical Research
Center every morning at 9 a.m.
Hansel spent 40 years working in
animal biology before dedicating the
last 25 years to cancer research and
treatment development after losing
his wife to ovarian cancer.
“Her clinician told me at that time
that there was a great need for much
better drugs to treat cancer,” says
Hansel in a YouTube video created
by PBRC.
Now, after two decades of
research and testing, Hansel says
he is on the verge of revolutionary
developments. One of his discoveries
could help lay the groundwork for
a promising new cancer treatment
that destroys cancer cells from the
outside in.
Over the years, Hansel has
received numerous accolades,
including two Purple Hearts during
World War II for his injuries and
service. He was recently presented
the Distinguished Scientist Award
from the Society for Experimental
Biology and Medicine for his
momentous discoveries and
contributions to the organization.
In addition to his research, Hansel’s
lasting impact stems from his role
as a mentor for emerging young
scientists.
“Choosing Dr. Hansel as my
mentor years ago was one of the
best decisions I ever made,” says
Dr. Chris Morrison, a former student
worker in Hansel’s lab at LSU.
Hansel served as a mentor on
Morrison’s
honors
research
project before
Morrison went
on to get his
Ph.D. Morrison
has since made
several significant
research discoveries
of his own.
“He introduced me to
research, helped guide my early
career, and to this day serves as
role model for me and for scientists
around the world,” says Morrison.
“Throughout his career, Dr. Hansel
has not only made breakthrough
contributions to science, he has also
invested in the lives of those who
have worked alongside him. He is a
true pioneer.”
After 65 years, Hansel’s lifelong
passion for research seems as strong
as ever. Slowing down is not an
option as he continues his personal
mission to help prolong life and the
quality of it.
“The truth is I would never be very
happy in retirement,” he says.
A lifelong mission
SAVE THE DATE
WHOLE NUMBER
74
THE O BAG FACTORY,
widely popular in the U.K.,
has opened its first store in
the U.S., planting roots right
here in Baton Rouge at the
Mall of Louisiana. The hype
surrounding the Italian-made
bags comes from the custom-
ization. Customers choose
from a variety of sizes, colors,
handles, interior cloths and
more. The bags—simple, mod-
ern, lightweight and water-
proof—can last from season
to season. Simply switch up
the accessories for an updated
look. New designs and colors
are launched twice yearly.
Find the O Bag Factory on the
mall’s lower level near Dillard’s.
ST. LILLIAN ACADEMY is hosting its annual Cheers for Children Cinco
de Mayo fiesta, a celebration to support the school for children with
communication disorders. The party is happening May 9 at 6:30 p.m. at
the home of Chanler Holden and Major Mittendorf. Those who go will
enjoy food, friends, music and more. Get tickets at stlillian.org/tickets.
Build-a-bag
Cheers for Children
FRESH FIND
Percentage of cost recouped in resale value when
completing a major kitchen remodel in Baton Rouge in
2015. This is more than 6% above the national average.
Source: Remodeling 2015 Cost vs. Value Report (costvsvalue.com)
Dr. William Hansel in
the lab at Pennington.
Hansel (right) leads a bovine procedure during his years in animal biology.
8
inRegister.com•May2015